Concerns over Syria

UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon on Friday said he is happy about India and Pakistan engaging in peace talks but the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror strikes should be brought to book.

On a three-day visit to India, the UN secretary general on Friday held talks with prime minister Manmohan Singh and external affairs minister SM Krishna on a host of issues. Later addressing the press, Ban Ki-moon said he is "gravely concerned about the situation" in Syria and called for immediate stopping of violence.

He also walked down memory lane and recalled his first posting in India as a diplomat. He also urged North Korea to refrain from any nuclear tests.

"Myself, in a statement as secretary general, have clearly urged them (North Korea) not to take any further provocative action, including nuclear tests," he said.